“Since the handover we have lost 118 former Belfast City Council workers – replaced by casual and poorly-paid workers employed on GLL contracts.

“Now we face losing another 49 positions. It is clear that all former Belfast City Council employees face a prolonged stagnation in wages due to a two-tier workforce. It’s time to fightback.”

But GLL denies any jobs will be lost, instead they said they will create 50 new ones in a restructure.

The march was organised following a meeting led by Cllr Matt Collins in Belfast City Hall.

Speaking ahead of the rally, Cllr Collins said: “Parties on Belfast city council who privatised our leisure services have much to answer for. These job losses are the latest attack in a long line of grievances, and staff are rightly angry.

“On Saturday at 1pm workers are coming together across the sectarian divide to oppose these attacks on jobs and services.

“I would appeal to people to come down and support the event, to bring their friends and family and take a stand with leisure workers.

“Join the march wherever you’re comfortable, either at the Falls or Shankill leisure centre, people will be walking together united.”

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